For the second time in less than a week, the Telegraph & Argus today reports on a shocking crime that has violated the memories of lost children.
It is unbelievable to think that anyone could stoop so low as to steal a plaque in memory of two boys who lost their lives in the Bradford City Fire Disaster. But that is exactly what someone did at the beauty spot in the Calder Valley where it had been placed in honour of Felix and Rupert Greenwood.
The sickening crime comes just days after we reported of the agony of a couple whose daughters’ graves had been hit by thefts.
Whoever stole the plaque cannot plead ignorance – it was clearly marked with the words: ‘Above here on the moors are scattered the ashes of Felix, aged 13, and Rupert, aged 11, who died in the Bradford City Fire.’ Whether it was an act of pure theft for the nominal scrap metal value or just sheer bloody-minded vandalism, the culprit knew exactly what he or she was taking. And it is likely they will have either tried to sell it on or showed it to someone, and possibly even bragged about it.
If that is the case, then we would appeal to anyone with any shred of decency who is aware of the culprit or culprits to do the right thing and give their names to the police.
It is difficult to imagine the mentality that allows someone to commit a crime like this. But if those responsible are reading this, then think about Hazel Greenwood, who will today be taking part in a memorial ceremony to remember her sons and her husband, Peter, who also died in the fire, along with the other 53 people who lost their lives.
Think of her 26 years of grieving, and of how this beauty spot shrine helped her to remember the family she lost. And think of how you have violated that with your wickedly selfish behaviour.
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